Police Dispatcher

$65,083.20 - $72,571.20 Annually

NOTE: Annual salary adjustments may also occur, based on collective bargaining agreements.

Employees in this classification work in the Communications Center of the Police Division under the general supervision of the duty officer in charge of the shift. Their work involves answering emergency 911 telephones; input of emergency incidents into the computer system; processing of computer assisted dispatch tasks; routing of emergency incidents to proper agencies; transmitting messages via voice and computer to patrol cars to dispatch them to the scene of accidents, crimes, or other occurrences; receiving messages from patrol cars; and calling for ambulance service. They also operate a teletype, keep records, prepare reports and perform related work as assigned. Physical requirements of this position include ability to lift and load/unload computer paper with a gross weight of approximately 30 pounds.

By the closing date of this announcement, an applicant must:

 

NOTE:  Prior public safety experience or graduation from a 911 Dispatch Academy is preferred, but not required.

We seek candidates with excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to make good decisions under pressure and during emergencies, and the ability to interact with a diverse public. Candidates must have a working knowledge of a computer and its various functions.

 

PARTS OF EXAMINATION AND WEIGHTS

Written Test - 40%       Performance Keyboard Test - 20%        Chief's Interview Panel - 40%
  

Voice Modulation Test - Pass/Fail
 

The 20 applicants who pass and score the highest on the written test will be invited to the performance keyboard test. At least 10 candidates with the highest combined passing written and performance test score will be invited to the interview part of the examination. Candidates who possess a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university will have one point added to their final examination score.  Candidates who have one or more years of full-time work experience as a public safety dispatcher will have two points added to their final examination score.  Applicants must pass the written test, the performance keyboard test, the interview, and a voice modulation test to be placed on the eligible list.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Modern office practices and procedures; proper English usage, grammar usage, spelling, and punctuation; alphabetic, chronological, and numeric filing systems; effective communication techniques; community resources; map reading; and personal computer operating systems and software applications.

Dispatchers must be able to:

Analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions in emergency and routine situations; demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills including communicating effectively with those contacted in the course of work; perform multiple tasks concurrently; quickly read and retain information; quickly interpret maps and floor layouts; relate effectively to co-workers; speak in a clear and understandable voice; write basic letters, memos, and reports; utilize personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; meet or exceed the City's keyboarding standard (35 net wpm); and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective service attitude with co-workers and the public.

Ability to:

Learn the techniques, procedures, methods, and City dispatching codes used in the operation of a highly technical communications center; use patience, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; recognize and discern various emotional states when dealing with citizens in person and while on 911, emergency, and business lines; recognize the voices of field units; and quickly operate electronic data processing equipment and radio consoles.
 

NOTE:  At the time of appointment, applicants are required to pass a background investigation, a pre-employment medical examination and a psychological evaluation conducted by physicians authorized by the City of Livonia.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list to fill current, future, regular, and/or temporary vacancies.

HOW TO APPLY:  Applications can be completed anytime online at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/livonia. If work experience and/or specific skills are listed as qualifications, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to describe their experience and/or skills sufficiently in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application so that it may be determined if they meet the stated qualifications. Applicants who do not comply will be disqualified from further consideration. Attachments or resumes are not accepted in place of completing the information requested on the official application. Applicants will be notified by e-mail of the next steps in the examination process.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  Appointees must satisfactorily complete a one year probationary period before the appointment will be considered regular.